It was only a few years ago that it was somewhat in vogue to be labeled a “backpacker.”  However, as of late the phrase “backpacker” has become typically associated with a slew of negative connotations.  But it hasn’t always been that way.  Before the movement was taken over by Aesop Rock clones and mineral water sippers who click their way in and out of chat rooms to have freestyle contests (how can it be a freestyle if you are typing it?) and to wax ad neuseam about the virtues of Atmosphere and Sage Francis.  This sect once consisted of devoted hip-hop heads that like LL could not live without their radio, or in this case tapes or CD’s—so they just trekked around using there backpacks as mobile listening devices. 

While most contemporary backpackers love to playa hate and would sooner give up their prized collection of (insert name) freestyles then see one of there idols make it out of the underground; the very same fans that are right now kicking dirt on Common for collaborating with the Neptunes will be the first people to label Slug or Murs “sell outs” when they get noticed on a broader scale.  While the backpackers of old simply grew up and realized that good music, whether it’s commercial or underground is still good music.  The contemporary wave is too concerned with boxing hip-hop in and labeling it.

Here in lays the genius of Tru Criminal’s resident CEO Lee “Skillz” Resnick.  You see, while Lee maybe adding insult to injury, he is so vexed with the backpacker crowd that he decided to devote a whole compilation to them.  Basically, the point Lee is trying to make here is; if you’re going to be Anti anything, why not be Anti-Backpack?  Though this still on the come up imprint does not have the cheddar as of yet to score a who’s who list of flossy emcees (sans 50 Cent) they do enlist some of NY’s best retreads and a nice assortment of producers (Alchemist, Buckwild, Large Professor, Domingo, Sha Self) that manage to keep the compilation from becoming too monotonous.  While 50 Cent & G-Unit (“Bad News”) and Nature (“Lets Do It Again”) contribute impressive nods. The rest of the material is not unlike anything you would hear on NY’s mixtape circuit; including real snoozers from Mic Geronimo (“Still I’m Coming”) and Ali Vegas (still one of the best unsigned emcees in the biz) “My Love.”  Yet, the spotlight really shines on Tru Criminal residents F.T. and 151 Proof.  With his ode to alcoholism, “151 Excuses,” Proof drops a slew of humorous one-liners and joins FT on the rugged “Prime-Time.”  If this compilation accomplishes anything, it’s furthering the buzz of FT, as after signing with Goliath Management (Eminem & Xzibit) and after his staged bumrushes at the Anger Management tour, FT proves he’s his own hype machine on the Alchemist blessed “Jon F. Hennessy” “Prime Time” and “Money All The Time” f/The M.A.F.I.A. (even Lil Cease comes off).

The ironic thing about this compilation is that it’s so underground driven, it will probably attract more attention from the group they are trying to ostracize.  In closing, if you don’t know if you’re a backpacker or not, then check Lord Sears “Backpack Skit”, if you meet the criteria then the jokes on you jack.